6 Problems Associated With Bobcat T190

The Bobcat T190 skid steer is a heavy-duty loader that is ideal for moving materials such as sand, gravel and dirt around construction sites. The 66 inch wide machine has a 68 inch wide bucket and quick couplers that allow for installation of various attachments like breakers and graders. Like any other machine, the Bobcat T190 does develop operational problems at some point. Continue reading and find how you can tackle some of these issues.

Table of Contents

1. Drive Problem

The operation of the machine requires a lot of drive power, which it runs short of at times. Failure of the final drive is one of the leading causes of this problem so knowing how to take care of this unit will go a long way in curbing this.  The final drive basically facilitates the transfer of power from the drive motor to the tracks in order to move the skid steer. Lets look at the measure you can take to safeguard your final drive.

Replace case drain filters

It’s common to experience a case drain problem with the BobcatT190. The case drain filter, typically silver and canister styled, is found between the case drain line and the hydraulic tank. It serves the purpose of filtering out contaminants in the hydraulic fluid. When pressure builds up in the final drive because of a clogged up case drain filter, all sorts of problems begin to appear. Seals can be blown, hydraulic fluid compromised and final drive gets damaged. Ensure that you regularly check and replace case drain filters.

Look out for leaks.

You most likely have a leak if oil starts appearing outside the final drive instead of inside. Leaks must be prevented at all costs because they cause the draining out of important fluids, causing problems with your BobcatT190. Furthermore, leaks will let in harmful substances like sand and dirt, which may damage final drive components like bearings and gears. Failure to regularly check for leaks and fix them will compound the drive problem.

Monitor gear oil

The gear system in your final drive requires lubrication and gear oil, also known as lube oil, serves this purpose. Without sufficient fluidity, the oil will not effectively coat bearings and gear teeth. The quality of gear oil should be maintained by checking it at least every 100 hours

of operation or once a month. Grease must not be substituted for gear oil because they do not have the exact same qualities.

2. Drive Belt Problems

The drive belt itself is a very important component on your BobcatT190 but that also makes it susceptible to lots of problems. It is responsible for the operation of various components like the alternator, air pump,water pump, air conditioning compressor. When the drive belt starts to malfunction, you will likely have issues with air conditioning , engine overheating or power steering stops. Lets go on and look at the possible solutions.

Check drivebelt tension

Open the black plastic cover on the flywheel casing to view the drive belt and tensioner. Check the drive belt spring loaded tensioner and ensure that the belt is really tight. When your machine is in operation or carrying loads, a loose belt will result in low charge pressure. If the tensioner is relaxed (with pointer resting at 12 o’clock position) it’s either the retaining bolt has come loose or the tensioner is faulty. Adjust until the pointer on the tensioner assembly rests at about 2 o’clock position. A loose belt reduces friction between the belt and pulleys and gives your Bobcat T190 low power problems.

Replace belt

While most drive belts are expected to last anywhere from 60,000 to 100,000 miles, it’s best to regularly check your for wear and tear. Any signs of cracking should be enough indication that you need to start considering looking for replacements.

3. Keypad Problems

Between the key switch and the keyless instrument panel many functions are performed e.g monitoring temperature gauge, bucket positioning and fuel gauge. The display panel is where all system setup, monitoring, troubleshooting and error conditions are displayed. When the Bobcat T190 has problems with this feature all these components are affected. Ideally, you would want to have electrical issues looked at by the manufacturer but this doesn’t mean you cant do anything about it.

Panel  check

The most common cause of panel issues is wiring related. Wires can get frayed from friction/vibration. Remove the dash panel and unplug it. The most common location for damaged wiring is under the cab on the left side of the frame where the cab harness connects to the main harness. Shake the wire harness along its entire circuit. Inspect all connectors within the circuits of concern to verify that they are free of corrosion or moisture.

4. Engine issues

You may experience engine problems with your Bobcat T190 ranging from ignition to idling and smooth running. A stalling, sputtering or Jerky engine is the last thing you need while working on important projects, but in the unfortunate event that it happens, the first place to check is the fuel system (filters, fuel lines and tank)

Filters

Air Filters clean the air entering into the engine and protect it from debris, dust, and other materials. Your Bobcat T190 operates in dirty and dusty conditions, so if you neglect regular filter replacement, it could lead to problems of damage. It’s recommended that you change the hydraulic filters at the 250-hour mark. Once your skid-steer has put in 500 working hours, it’s time to change the fuel filter.

Fuel tank

The engine is supplied with fuel from the fuel tank through the fuel injectors. Ensure that injectors are not clogged up with external materials and causing an inconsistent fuel flow. For a smooth running engine, you need to maintain a constant fuel flow.

Glow plugs

A functional glow plug will prevent another of engine problems for the Bobcat T190. faulty glow plugs will cause the engine’s performance to be weakened since they fall short of the required temperature. The exerts too much demand on the engine. Just like filters, glow plugs need regular monitoring and replacement when necessary.

5. Hydraulic issues

A Bobcat T190 with hydraulic problems is a nightmare. This is because the hydraulic system is central to the main functions of the machine (bucket lifting, tilting, floating and operation of other attachments). Here are a few suggestions for tackling the hydraulics issue.

Hydraulic fluid.

Bobcat recommends using its self-branded all-season hydraulic/hydrostatic fluid. The oil is designed to provide optimum flow at subzero temperatures, while maintaining stability during periods of high-temperature use. Ensure that the fluid is not overfill or undefiled but maintain recommended quantities.

Hydraulic fuel filters

As highlighted before, filters maintain a clean, dirt-free flow of fuel, which adds power to the engine , hydraulic system and other components. Frequent checks and maintenance/replacement of filters is important.

Hydraulic lines

Hydraulic lines are used to transfer mineral and hydraulic oils. Leakages in these lines will cause problems for the Bobcat T190. The best way to conduct a check on the hydraulic lines is to pressurize the system first because when the fluid is under pressure you are more likely to easily detect major leakages.

6. Problems with control system

It can be frustrating when your Bobcat T190 controls are giving you problems by not responding to commands. Disconnected loader connections may cause joysticks to have a mind of their own.

Safety switch

When safety switches malfunction, it may lead to a slow response from the controls. A safety switch prevents problems with the wiring system of your BobcatT190 by detecting any anomalies in the current and cuts it off if any leakages or overloads are detected. This means that a faulty safety switch will temper with control system access to power. Regular servicing and maintenance of the control system will easily prevent this problem from occurring.